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Parents' Guide to

Unknown Origins

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Graphic violence in unique take on superhero story.

Movie NR 2020 96 minutes
Unknown Origins Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Unknown Origins Movie: Scene #1
  • Unknown Origins Movie: Scene #2
  • Unknown Origins Movie: Scene #3

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What's the Story?

In UNKNOWN ORIGINS, Madrid detective Cosme begins to transition into retirement. He's paired with David, a young and ambitious detective, as they seek to track down a serial killer committing a series of gruesome and seemingly random murders throughout the city. Enter Cosme's son Jorge Elias, a slacker comic book store owner. Upon learning of the murders, Jorge immediately recognizes the pattern: The killings are based on the origin stories of various superheroes. Jorge Elias is immediately sent to replace Cosme, much to David's chagrin. While David actively dislikes Jorge, it doesn't take long for Jorge to begin to establish a pattern in the killings that leads them deeper into the madness of the murderer. When David inadvertently discusses the traumatic event from his past that left him an orphan while a young boy, the seemingly unrelated clues all start to make a semblance of sense, and David and Jorge must track down the killer before he strikes again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

While not perfect, this film does present a unique take on the superhero story. There are some nice twists that are clearly rooted in the familiar stories of misfits, conflicted heroes, and psychopathic bad guys, and out of these conventions, new heroes emerge with one foot in the comic book universe, and the other in the real world. This is especially true of the two lead characters, and while the "opposite" characters in police-centered movies is as cliched as it gets, there's enough in the acting and chemistry between the two leads to add something new to the storylines.

However, it's some of these very conventions that hinder Unknown Origins. For instance, it really doesn't take that long to figure out who the serial killer is if you pay the slightest bit of attention. And in terms of its conveyance of so-called geek culture, the movie can't seem to decide if it wants to portray comic book and cosplay enthusiasts as either the cliche of dateless and socially awkward weirdos or competent functioning adults with a quirky side hobby, and end up trying to have it both ways. With the former, the attempts at humor are lazy and unoriginal, and they tend to negate the latter. While it doesn't ruin what is otherwise an engaging movie, it does prevent it from being as good as it might have been.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stories centered on superheroes. How does Unknown Origins play with the style and format of the superhero story?

  • This movie was based on a book. What would be the challenges in adapting a book into a movie?

  • How are fans of comic books and cosplay conveyed in the movie?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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